Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic diagnostic assistance method

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and control circuitry. The ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers two-dimensionally arranged along a first arrangement direction and a second arrangement direction. The control circuitry transmits first line delay data and second line delay data to the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe further comprises setting circuitry configured to set a delay amount for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, by using the transmitted first line delay data and second line delay data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2017-011384, filed Jan. 25,2017, and No. 2017-242566, filed Dec. 19, 2017, the entire contents ofall of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonicdiagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnosticassistance method.

BACKGROUND

An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves to asubject (patient), and receives reflected waves (echo) from the subjectto generate an image of the inside of the subject. Recently, mainlytwo-dimensional array type ultrasonic probes have been used.

The two-dimensional array type probes have a large number of ultrasonictransducers (also referred to as elements) two-dimensionally arranged asa grid, thus it is difficult for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatusbody to directly drive all the elements to controltransmission/reception of ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the ultrasonicprobe is provided with an IC (ASIC) specific to perform partial delaycalculation for each sub-array obtained by dividing the elements.

It is necessary to set delay patterns relating to each element in asub-array during a blanking time which is a time period from completionof receiving echo signals to transmission of a subsequent ultrasonicwave.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatusaccording to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the configuration of atransmitting/receiving IC.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the configuration of a sub-array unit.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of blanking time.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating calculation of a delayamount of each element performed at the transmitting/receiving IC.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a two-dimensional arrangement of elementsassumed in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart indicating a delay amount setting process by theultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first comparison result between the conventionaltechnique and the processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatusaccording to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second comparison result between the conventionaltechnique and the processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatusaccording to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows magnified views of the sound pressure intensity of mainbeams in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a setting of a transmitting aperturein a communication control circuit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram to explain line delay data according to amodification of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram to explain calculation of a delay amount in thecase where micromachining ultrasound transducer (MUT) elements aretwo-dimensionally arranged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When using, for example, the typical sector type of ultrasonic probes,the communication data amount relating to a delay pattern for eachelement is small. Accordingly, data transmission terminal for ultrasonictransmission can be completed for the blanking time. However, when usinglarge area and large scale two-dimensional array type probes such aslinear type probes, the communication data amount relating to a delaypattern for each element becomes several tens of times of that of thesector type of ultrasonic probes, and accordingly, the time to transferthat amount is required. It is necessary to perform high-speedcommunication or remarkably increase the data transmission lane, inorder to transmit data relating to the delay pattern for each elementfor a shorter time.

However, in order to perform high-speed communication, the circuit scalehas to be increased, for example, by increasing a clock frequency of theCPU. In order to increase the data lane, the number of cables has to beincreased. Thus, the above options are not considered as realisticsolutions.

In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and control circuitry. Theultrasonic probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducerstwo-dimensionally arranged along a first arrangement direction and asecond arrangement direction. The control circuitry is configured totransmit first line delay data and second line delay data to theultrasonic probe, the first line delay data indicating a delay amountfor each line of the ultrasonic transducers along the second arrangementdirection, the second line delay data indicating a delay amount for eachline of the ultrasonic transducers along the first arrangement line. Theultrasonic probe further comprises setting circuitry. The settingcircuitry is configured to set a delay amount for each of the pluralityof ultrasonic transducers, by using the transmitted first line delaydata and second line delay data.

In the following descriptions, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, anultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic assistance methodaccording to the present embodiments will be described with reference tothe drawings. In the embodiments described below, elements assigned withthe same reference symbols perform the same operations, and redundantdescriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodimentwill be explained with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a configuration example of an ultrasonicdiagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body10 and an ultrasonic probe 30. The apparatus body 10 is connected to anexternal device 40 via a network 100. The apparatus body 10 is connectedto a display 50 and an input device 60. In the drawings, a solid linerepresents an analog signal, and a broken line represents a digitalsignal.

The ultrasonic probe 30 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers(also referred to as elements), a matching layer provided to elements,and a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves tothe rear side of the elements. The ultrasonic probe 30 is detachablyconnected to the apparatus body 10. The ultrasonic probe 30 will bedescribed later in detail.

The apparatus body 10 shown in FIG. 1 generates an ultrasonic image,based on reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 30. Asshown in FIG. 1, the apparatus body 10 includes ultrasonic transmittingcircuitry 11, ultrasonic receiving circuitry 12, B-mode processingcircuitry 13, Doppler-mode processing circuitry 14, three-dimensionalprocessing circuitry 15, display processing circuitry 16, an internalstorage 17, an image memory 18 (cine memory), an image database 19,input interface circuitry 20, communication interface circuitry 21, andcontrol circuitry 22.

The ultrasonic transmitting circuitry 11 is a processor that suppliesdriving signals to the ultrasonic probe 30. The ultrasonic transmittingcircuitry 11 is implemented, for example, by trigger generatingcircuitry, delay circuitry, and pulser circuitry, etc. The triggergenerating circuitry repeatedly generates rate pulses for formingtransmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. Thedelay circuitry converges ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonicprobe 30 as a beam, and applies, to each rate pulse generated by thetrigger generating circuitry, a transmission delay time for each elementrequired for determining a transmission directivity. The pulsercircuitry supplies driving signals (a driving pulse) to the ultrasonicprobe 30 at a timing based on the rate pulse. By changing thetransmission delay time to be applied to each rate pulse from the delaycircuitry, the transmission direction from the element surface can bediscretionarily adjusted.

The ultrasonic receiving circuitry 12 is a processor that executesvarious processes on reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonicprobe 30 to generate a receive signal. The ultrasonic receivingcircuitry 12 is implemented, for example, by amplification circuitry, anA/D converter, reception delay circuitry, and an adder, etc. Theamplification circuitry executes a gain correction process for eachchannel by amplifying reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonicprobe 30. The A/D converter converts the gain-corrected reflected wavesignals to digital signals. The reception delay circuitry delays inputof the digital signals to the adder by a reception delay time requiredfor determining a reception directivity. The adder adds a plurality ofdigital signals in which the reception delay time has been applied.After the addition process of the adder, receive signals are generatedin which a reflected component from a direction corresponding to thereception directivity is emphasized.

The B-mode processing circuitry 13 is a processor that generates B-modedata, based on the receive signals received from the ultrasonicreceiving circuitry 12. The B-mode processing circuitry 13 executes anenvelope detection process and a logarithmic amplification process, etc.on the receive signals received from the ultrasonic receiving circuitry12, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity isexpressed by the brightness intensity. The generated B-mode data isstored in a RAW data memory (not shown in the drawings) as B-mode RAWdata on an ultrasonic scanning line. The B-mode RAW data may be storedin the internal storage 17 described later.

The Doppler-mode processing circuitry 14 is a processor that generates aDoppler waveform and Doppler data, based on the receive signals receivedfrom the ultrasonic receiving circuitry 12. The Doppler-mode processingcircuitry 14 extracts a blood flow signal from the receive signal,generates a Doppler waveform from the extracted blood flow signal, andgenerates data (Doppler data) in which information, such as a meanvelocity, dispersion, power, etc. is extracted from the blood flowsignal with respect to multiple points.

The three-dimensional processing circuitry 15 is a processor that cangenerate two-dimensional image data or three-dimensional image data(also referred to as volume data), based on the data generated by theB-mode processing circuitry 13 and the Doppler-mode processing circuitry14. The three-dimensional processing circuitry 15 performs RAW-pixelconversion to generate two-dimensional image data consisting of pixels.

In addition, the three-dimensional processing circuitry 15 performs, toB-mode RAW data stored in a RAW data memory, RAW-voxel conversion whichincludes an interpolation process taking spatial position informationinto consideration to generate volume data consisting of voxels in adesired range. The three-dimensional processing circuitry 15 generatesrendering image data by performing a rendering process to the generatedvolume data. The B-mode RAW data, the two-dimensional image data, thevolume data, and the rendering image data are generically referred to asultrasonic data.

The display processing circuitry 16 executes various processes, such asdynamic range, brightness, contrast and y curve corrections, and RGBconversion, etc. to image data generated in the three-dimensionalprocessing circuitry 15, in order to convert the image data to a videosignal. The display processing circuitry 16 directs the display 50 todisplay the video signal. The display processing circuitry 16 maygenerate a user interface (Graphical User Interface: GUI) through whichan operator inputs various instructions by the input interface circuitry20, and directs the display 50 to display the GUI. The display 50 mayadopt, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organicEL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or any other displaysknown in this technical field.

The internal storage 17 includes, for example, a storage medium which isreadable by a processor, such as a magnetic or optical storage medium,or a semiconductor memory, etc. The internal storage 17 stores a controlprogram relating to a delay amount setting method, a control program forimplementing ultrasonic transmission/reception, a control program forexecuting an image process, and a control program for executing adisplay process, according to the present embodiment. In addition, theinternal storage 17 stores diagnosis information (e.g., patient ID,doctor's findings, etc.), a diagnosis protocol, a body mark generationprogram, and data such as a conversion table for presetting a range ofcolor data for use in imaging, with respect to each of regions ofdiagnosis. The internal storage 17 may store anatomical illustrations,for example, an atlas, relating to the structures of internal organs inthe body.

In addition, the internal storage 17 stores two-dimensional image data,volume data, and rendering image data generated by the three-dimensionalprocessing circuitry 15, in accordance with a storing operation inputvia the input interface circuitry 20. In accordance with a storingoperation input via the input interface circuitry 20, the internalstorage 17 may store two-dimensional image data, volume data, andrendering image data generated by the three-dimensional processingcircuitry 15, along with an operation order and an operation time. Theinternal storage 17 can transfer the stored data to an external devicethrough the communication interface circuitry 21.

The image memory 18 includes, for example, a storage medium which isreadable by a processor, such as a magnetic or optical storage medium,or a semiconductor memory. The image memory 18 stores image datacorresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before a freezeoperation input through the input interface circuitry 20. The image datastored in the image memory 18 is successively displayed(cine-displayed), for example.

The image database 19 stores image data transferred from the externaldevice 40. For example, the image database 19 acquires and stores pastmedical image data relating to a particular patient obtained by the pastdiagnosis and stored in the external device 40. The past medical imagedata includes ultrasonic image data, Computed Tomography (CT) imagedata, MR image data, Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-CT image data,PET-MR image data, and X-ray image data.

The image database 19 may store desired image data by reading image datastored in a storage medium such as an MO, a CD-R and a DVD.

The input interface circuitry 20 receives various instructions from anoperator through the input device 60. The input device 60 is, forexample, a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a slider switch, atrackball, a rotary encoder, an operation panel, and a touch commandscreen (TCS). The input interface circuitry 20 is connected to thecontrol circuitry 22, for example, via a bus. The input interfacecircuitry 20 converts an operation instruction input by the operatorinto electric signals, and outputs the electric signals to the controlcircuitry 22. In the present embodiments, the input interface circuitry20 is not limited to interface circuitry which is connected to physicaloperation components such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The inputinterface circuitry 20 may include processing circuitry of electricsignals which receives, as radio signals, electric signals correspondingto an operation instruction input from an external input deviceindependent from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and outputs theelectric signals to the control circuitry 22. The external input devicemay be, for example, an external input device that is capable oftransmitting an operation instruction corresponding to an instructionwith a gesture by the operator as a wireless signal.

The communication interface circuitry 21 is connected to the externaldevice 40 through the network 100, etc., and performs data communicationwith the external device 40. The external device 40 is, for example, adatabase of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) which isa system for managing various medical image data, a database of anelectronic medical record system for managing electronic medical recordsto which medical images are added, etc. In addition, the external device40 may, for example, be any medical image diagnostic apparatus otherthan the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment, such as an X-ray CT apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) apparatus, a nuclear medical diagnostic apparatus, and an X-raydiagnostic apparatus, etc. Any standards may be applied forcommunication with the external device 40. For example, digital imagingand communication in medicine (DICOM) may be applied.

The control circuitry 22 is a processor acting as a nerve center of theultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, for example. The control circuitry 22executes a control program stored in the internal storage 17 to realizea function corresponding to the program. Specifically, the controlcircuitry 22 executes a line delay data generation function 101.

By executing the line delay data generation function 101, the controlcircuitry 22 generates line delay data for two-dimensionally arrangedelements. The line delay data and generation of the line delay data willbe described in detail with reference to FIG. 6. The control circuitry22 generates a delay time for each sub-array relating to the delay ofthe entire system (sub-array delay data), and transmits to theultrasonic transmitting circuitry 11 the sub-array delay data as ananalog signal.

The line delay data generation function 101 may be described as acontrol program, or may be implemented by hardware circuitry specific toeach function included in the control circuitry 22 or the apparatus body10.

The control circuitry 22 may be implemented by an ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit) which includes hardware circuit specific tothe function, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a ComplexProgrammable Logic Device (CPLD), or a Simple Programmable Logic Device(SPLD).

Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 30 according to thepresent embodiment will be explained with reference to the block diagramof FIG. 2.

The ultrasonic probe 30 includes a connector 200 (also referred to asPOD), a cable 230, and a probe body 250 (also referred to as HEAD).

The connector 200 is a connector connected to the apparatus body 10, andincludes a communication control circuit 201 and a storage 202. Theprobe body 250 includes a plurality of transmitting/receiving ICs 251and a plurality of elements 252.

The communication control circuit 201 receives line delay data from theultrasonic transmitting circuitry 11 of the apparatus body 10, andstores the line delay data in the storage 202. The communication controlcircuit 201 transmits the line delay data to the probe body 250 throughthe cable 230.

The storage 202 which is, for example, a memory, receives and storesline delay data.

The respective transmitting/receiving ICs 251 receive the line delaydata from the communication control circuit 201, and driving signalsfrom the ultrasonic transmitting circuitry 11. The respectivetransmitting/receiving ICs 251 set a delay amount of elements for eachcorresponding sub-array to which the respective transmitting/receivingICs 251 control, based on the line delay data and the driving signal,and control transmission/reception of ultrasonic waves at apredetermined timing.

The delay amount is set to each of the plurality of elements 252 by thetransmitting/receiving ICs 251, and ultrasonic waves generated based onthe driving signals are transmitted to a living body P at timingscorresponding to the respective delay amounts.

Once the ultrasonic probe 30 transmits ultrasonic waves to a living bodyP, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are sequentially reflected by theboundary showing discontinuity of the acoustic impedance of the livingtissue of the living body P, and are received by the plurality ofelements 252 as reflected waves. The amplitude of the received reflectedwaves depend on the difference in the acoustic impedance at the boundaryshowing discontinuity of the acoustic impedance that affects thereflection of ultrasonic waves. If the transmitted ultrasonic pulses arereflected in a bloodstream or on the surface of the cardiac wall, thefrequency of the reflected waves are shifted depending on velocitycomponents in the direction of transmitting ultrasonic waves in a movingobject due to the Doppler effect. The ultrasonic probe 30 receives thereflected waves from the living body P, converts the reflected wavesinto electrical signals, and transmits the electrical signals to theapparatus body 10.

Next, the configuration of the transmitting/receiving ICs 251 will beexplained with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 3.

The transmitting/receiving ICs 251 include an IC control circuit 301 anda plurality of sub-array units 350.

The IC control circuit 301 executes a delay setting function 302. Byexecuting the delay setting function 302, the IC control circuit 301calculates a delay amount for each element belonging to respectivesub-arrays based on the line delay data acquired from the communicationcontrol circuit 201, and sets the delay amount for the respectivesub-array units 350.

The respective sub-array units 350 receive driving signals from theultrasonic transmitting circuitry 11, and receive the delay amount fromthe IC control circuit. The respective sub-array units 350 control thetiming of ultrasonic transmission/reception of elements in an allocatedsub-array based on the driving signals and the delay amount.

The sub-array units 350 will be explained in detail, with reference tothe block diagram of FIG. 4.

Each of the sub-array units 350 includes an adding circuit 351 and aplurality of element transmitting/receiving circuits 352. The elementtransmitting/receiving circuit 352 is provided for each channel. Theelement transmitting/receiving circuit 352 includes a delay circuit 401,a transmitting amplifier circuit 402, a separation circuit 403, and areceiving amplifier circuit 404.

The adding circuit 351 adds receive signals in which delay processing isperformed by the delay circuit 401.

The delay circuit 401 receives the delay amount from the IC controlcircuit 301, driving signals from the ultrasonic transmitting circuitry11, and receive signals from the receiving amplifier circuit 404, andsets the delay amount relative to the transmit/receive signal.

The transmitting amplifier circuit 402 receives driving signals from thedelay circuit 401, and amplifies the driving signals.

The separation circuit 403 separates the driving signals regardingtransmission and echo signals received by elements.

The receiving amplifier circuit 404 receives echo signals from theseparation circuit 403, and amplifies the echo signals.

(Setting Process of the Delay Time for Each Element)

The delay time setting for each element performed by the ultrasonicdiagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will beexplained. In the setting process, in the case where a two-dimensionalarray probe is used in which a plurality of elements are arranged in thefirst array direction and the second array direction, the delay data(line delay data) determined in element line units in each direction istransferred from the apparatus body 10 to the ultrasonic probe 30 duringthe blanking time. The ultrasonic probe 30 sets the delay time for eachelement by setting the delay amount for each element in the additionprocess during the same blanking time, by using the delay data receivedfrom the apparatus body 10 for each element line in each direction andthe delay data for each sub-array. By this process, the setting of delaydata for the large scale of two-dimensional array is established in ashort time.

The outline of the setting process of delay time for each element willbe explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 illustrates the blanking time and the timing of each process forsetting the delay time performed during each blanking time. The timingchart at the top of FIG. 5 indicates the transmission/reception interval(pulse repetition interval; PRI) of ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonicdiagnostic apparatus 1. The time T between a transmission/reception anda subsequent transmission/reception corresponds to a blanking time. Theultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 needs to complete a transfer processof the delay data from the apparatus body 10 directed to the ultrasonicprobe 30 for the two-dimensional array (also referred to as data) whichindicates subsequent transmission/reception of ultrasonic waves, andcomplete a setting process of delay time for each element in theultrasonic probe 30, within each blanking time.

FIG. 5 indicates a transfer period from the apparatus body 10 to theultrasonic probe 30 that includes a transfer period 501 in whichtransfer is performed from the apparatus body 10 to the connector (POD),and a transfer period 502 in which transfer is performed from theconnector to the probe body (HEAD), and a transfer processing period 503in the probe body 250 which corresponds to a setting process of a delaytime for each element in the ultrasonic probe 30.

FIG. 6 illustrates the calculation method of line delay data in eachdirection, and sub-array delay data for each sub-array. In FIG. 6, eachcell corresponds to an element position 601 of two-dimensionallyarranged elements. To simplify the explanation, FIG. 6 illustrates 10×10elements, i.e., 100 elements in total. An address out of 0 to 9 isallocated to each element in the X direction and the Y direction, andeach element is defined by x and y coordinates. For example, the addressof top left element is (0, 0), and the address of bottom right elementis (9, 9).

A set of 5×5 elements is defined as a sub-array 602, and an element inthe center of the sub-array 602 is defined as a sub-array position 603.That is, an example shown in FIG. 6 includes four sub-arrays 602.

To calculate the delay amount of each element corresponding to a focuspoint of the living body P, the coordinates of a focus point are definedas (xf, yf, zf), the coordinates of a sub-array position are defined as(xs, ys), and the coordinates of an element position are defined as (xe,ye). The sub-array delay data ds corresponding to a focus point iscalculated in the control circuitry 22, based on equation (1).ds=√{square root over ((xs−xf)²+(ys−yf)² +zf ²)}−√{square root over (xf² +yf ² +zf ²)}  (1)

The line delay data dx in the X direction, and the line delay data dy inthe Y direction corresponding to a focus point are calculated in theline delay data generation function 101, based on equation (2) andequation (3).dx=√{square root over ((xe−xf)² +zf ²)}−√{square root over ((xs−xf)² +xf²)}  (2)dy=√{square root over ((ye−yf)² +zf ²)}−√{square root over ((ys−yf)² +xf²)}  (3)

The line delay data dx is a delay amount determined for each line of theelements arranged along the Y direction, and the same delay amount isapplied to elements within the same line. Similarly, the line delay datady is a delay amount determined for each line of the elements arrangedalong the X direction.

In accordance with the above calculation, the same delay amount isapplied to elements in the same line. For example, the same line delaydata is applied to a line of x coordinate, “0”, i.e., a line consistingof elements positioned in (0, 0) to (0, 9).

The calculation of each sub-array delay data ds relative to a focuspoint, each line delay data dx relative to the X direction, and eachline delay data dy relative to the Y direction is performed and storedat a predetermined timing, before initiation of the ultrasonictransmission/reception. The line delay data generation function 101transfers the line delay data dx relative to the X direction and theline delay data dy relative to the Y direction to be applied for thetransmission to the connector 200 (POD) in the transfer period 501, andthe communication control circuit 201 transfers the received line delaydata dx relative to the X direction and line delay data dy relative tothe Y direction to the probe body 250 (HEAD) in the transfer period 502shown in FIG. 5.

The transmitting/receiving ICs 251 in the probe body 250 (HEAD) set thedelay amount for each element in the sub-array by using a value obtainedby adding the line delay data dx relative to the X direction and theline delay data dy relative to the Y direction, according to the addressof each element, in the transfer processing period 503 in the probe body250, shown in FIG. 5. The transmitting/receiving ICs 251 controltransmission/reception of ultrasonic waves relative to elements 252 inaccordance with the set delay time. For example, for an element position(1, 3) shown in FIG. 6, line delay data dx₁ of the second line in the Xdirection (the address in the X direction is 1) and line delay data dy₃of the fourth line in the Y direction (the address in the Y direction is3) are added, and a delay amount of an element in the intersection point(1, 3) is set. In the element transmitting/receiving circuit 352 thatcontrols an element in the element position (1, 3), a delay is appliedto driving signals from the apparatus body based on the calculatedelement delay amount, and ultrasonic waves are generated from theelement during transmission. In reception process, the receive signalsfrom the elements 252 are amplified by the receiving amplifier circuit404, delay is applied to the receive signals based on the calculateddelay amount, and the receive signals are output to the adding circuit351. A system delay based on the sub-array delay ds is applied to anoutput of the adding circuit 351 at the ultrasonic receiving circuitry12 of the apparatus body 10, and the addition process is applied tooutput receive signals.

The outline of the setting of the delay time according to the presentembodiment is as explained above; however, the setting is not limitedthereto. For example, the case where the sub-array delay setting fortransmission is performed by the analog driving signals is assumed inthe aforementioned example; however, it is possible that the sub-arraydelay data is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 30 as a digitalsignal. The IC control circuit 301 may calculate the delay time of anelement by using the sub-array delay data and the line delay data, andset the delay time for each sub-array unit 350.

Next, an example of a two-dimensional arrangement of elements assumed inthe present embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 indicates a two-dimensional array of elements in the ultrasonicprobe that are recognized by the apparatus body 10. The case where 100elements in the X direction and 40 elements in the Y direction arearranged, namely, 4000 elements in total, is assumed.

The sub-array size is 5×5 elements. One of the transmitting/receivingICs 251 includes inputs for 20×20 elements, and controls 400 elements.One of the transmitting/receiving ICs 251 includes outputs forsub-arrays of 4×4 elements. Here, the case where 5transmitting/receiving ICs 251 in the X direction and 2transmitting/receiving ICs 251 in the Y direction are arranged, namely,10 transmitting/receiving ICs 251 (IC0 to IC9) in total, is assumed.Each of the transmitting/receiving ICs includes a data receivingterminal and a data transmission terminal, and an output terminal ofeach of IC1 to IC9 is connected to an input terminal of the subsequentIC. Data is transferred to a subsequent IC by a bucket-brigade methodbetween transmitting/receiving ICs. Specifically, data is successivelytransferred. For example, if data is input from IC0 to IC1, data inputto IC1 in the previous clock is transferred to IC2.

The arrangement of the transmitting/receiving ICs 251 in FIG. 7indicates the arrangement on an acoustic array. In the actual situation,there may be a case where the transmitting/receiving ICs are notarranged in a single plane, but are distributed in the verticaldirection in the ultrasonic probe, and signals are derived fromrespective transmitting/receiving ICs by using a Flexible PrintedCircuit (FPC).

Next, the delay amount setting process of the ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus according to the present embodiment will be explained withreference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. In the following explanation, itis assumed that the process is performed to the two-dimensional arrayshown in FIG. 7.

In step S801, the control circuitry 22 of the apparatus body 10pre-calculates line delay data in the X direction and the Y direction(dx, dy) relative to 100×40 elements, and transmits the calculated linedelay data to the communication control circuit 201 of the connector200. The line delay data includes line delay data dx for 100 lines,i.e., dx [0:99], and line delay data dy for 40 lines, i.e., dy [0:39].

In step S802, the communication control circuit 201 stores the linedelay data in the storage 202. The communication control circuit 201re-arranges line delay data in an order of storing to the probe body 250(an order of data transfer) for data transfer, and stores the rearrangedline delay data. To save the memory space, the communication controlcircuit 201 may store the line delay data in an order of being receivedfrom the apparatus body 10 when storing data, and extract the line delaydata from the storage 202 in an order of data transfer when transferringdata.

In step S803, the communication control circuit 201 reads line delaydata directed to “IC9” from the storage 202, and transmits the linedelay data to the probe body so that line delay data is allocated in anorder of data transfer to the transmission/reception arrays from thefirst destination “IC9”. If line delay data is received at a datareceiving terminal, receiving data of 1 clock prior to the current clockis output from a data transmission terminal in eachtransmitting/receiving IC.

In step S804, the communication control circuit 201 determines whetheror not transmission of line delay data is completed for all of thetransmitting/receiving ICs. This determination may be made based onwhether an enable signal is received from the last destination “IC9” inthe order of data transfer, for example. In this example, line delaydata is transferred in an order from line delay data directed to “IC9”(40 items of line delay data represented by dx [80:99], dy [20:39]) toline delay data directed to “IC0” (dx [0:19], dy [0:19]). For example,once transfer of line delay data directed to “IC9” is completed, linedelay data directed to “IC8” is transferred.

If line delay data transfer is completed, the process proceeds to stepS805, and if line delay data transfer is not completed, the processreturns to step S803, and the same process is repeated.

In step S805, the transmitting/receiving ICs 251 set the delay amount ofeach element based on the line delay data, as stated with reference toFIG. 6. The delay amount setting process of the ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus is completed by the aforementioned processing.

By adopting a plurality of data lanes, i.e., adopting a plurality ofdata receiving terminals and data transmission terminals, the line delaydata can be transferred in parallel, thereby realizing high-speed datatransfer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first comparison result between the conventionaltechnique and the processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatusaccording to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an array scale of elements controllable by the samedata communication amount. FIG. 9 (a) is an array scale which iscontrollable by the conventional technique. In the conventionaltechnique, the delay data is communicated for each element in asub-array. Accordingly, 400 items of delay data are necessary for asub-array of 20×20 elements, for example.

On the other hand, FIG. 9 (b) is an array scale controllable by thetransfer method of the present embodiment. In the ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus according to the present embodiment, the delay amount of allthe elements in a sub-array can be calculated by using 20 items of linedelay data for each of the X direction and the Y direction. Accordingly,40 (20+20) items of delay data are sufficient for setting the delay datafor 400 elements. That is, in the case where the communication amount isthe same as the conventional technique, the delay amount of elements in10 sub-arrays can be communicated. Therefore, the controllable arrayscale is dramatically improved in comparison with the conventionaltechnique.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second comparison result between the conventionaltechnique and the processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatusaccording to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 (a) illustrates the sound pressure intensity of echo signals inthe conventional technique in which the delay amount is calculated foreach channel, and FIG. 10 (b) illustrates the sound pressure intensityof echo signals by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to thepresent embodiment. The ordinate represents an azimuth angle, and theabscissa represents an elevation angle.

In comparison between FIG. 10 (a) and FIG. 10 (b), FIG. 10 (b) showsthat a grating lobe of 45 degrees is increased, but the amount ofgrating lobe is originally small, and thus has little effect.Accordingly, it can be read that the similar level of accuracy ismaintained in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to thepresent embodiment in comparison with the conventional technique inwhich the delay amount is calculated for each channel.

FIG. 11 shows magnified views of the sound pressure intensity of mainbeams in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 (a) indicates the results obtained in the conventionaltechnique, and FIG. 11 (b) indicates the results obtained by theultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. Incomparison between FIG. 11 (a) and FIG. 11 (b), the sound pressure showsalmost no loss, and there is almost no influence on the side lobe.Therefore, the delay amount setting method of the ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus according to the present embodiment exerts no influence inresolution in comparison with the conventional technique.

According to the first embodiment, the line delay data in two directionsof the two-dimensional array is transferred to the ultrasonic probe, andthe probe sets the delay amount of each element by applying a simpleaddition process, thereby setting the delay data for the large scale oftwo-dimensional array in a short time. That is, even if the array scaleincreases, transfer of two-dimensional array control data to the probebody can be completed within the blanking time.

With the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the presentembodiment, as the array structure becomes larger, i.e., the channelnumber of system increases, the data communication amount reduction isfurther improved, which is one of the practical benefits of the presentembodiment.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

A transmitting aperture can be set by applying the method of setting thedelay amount based on line delay data.

The setting of transmitting aperture in the communication controlcircuit according to the second embodiment will be explained withreference to FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 illustrates the array structure similar to FIG. 7, and alsoillustrates a transmitting aperture 1201 that indicates an area ofelements to be used for transmission.

The apparatus body 10 transmits to the communication control circuit 201on/off data ax relating to ultrasonic transmission (first on/off data)for each line of elements along the Y direction, and on/off data ayrelating to ultrasonic transmission data (second on/off data) for eachline of elements along the X direction, in addition to the line delaydata (dx, dy) according to the first embodiment. The on/off data (ax,ay) may be represented by 1 bit, for example. If a particular line isused for ultrasonic transmission, the particular line may be “1”, and ifthe particular line is not used for ultrasonic transmission, theparticular line may be “0”. In addition to the line delay data dx [0:99]and dy [0:39], the first on/off data for 100 lines, i.e., ax [0:99], andthe second on/off data for 40 lines, i.e., ay [0:39] are transmitted tothe communication control circuit 201.

The communication control circuit 201 stores the line delay data and theon/off data (ax, ay) in the storage 202.

Similar to the first embodiment, the communication control circuit 201sequentially transmits on/off data and line delay data from the datadirected to IC9 to the transmitting/receiving ICs 251. Specifically, theon/off data and the line delay data are sequentially transmitted from ax[80:99], ay [20:39], dx [80:99], and dy [20:39] to ax [80:99], ay[20:39], dx [0:19], and dy [0:19].

The transmitting/receiving ICs 251 performs multiplication of the on/offdata ax and the on/off data ay (bitwise AND operation), ax×ay, so thatan element used for ultrasonic transmission is set. Specifically, an ANDoperation of the on/off data ax and the on/off data ay is performed, andonly if the obtained value is “1”, i.e., both of the on/off data ax andthe on/off data ay are “1”, is the corresponding element set to be usedfor ultrasonic transmission. By performing an AND operation to allelements in the two-dimensional array, the transmitting aperture 1201can be obtained.

According to the aforementioned second embodiment, the on/off data inthe X direction (azimuth direction) and the Y direction (elevationdirection) is transmitted, and the ultrasonic probe body performs an ANDoperation. By this operation, data for setting the transmitting aperturefor each channel can be transmitted to the ultrasonic probe in a shorttime, in comparison with the conventional technique.

In the above embodiments, the communication control circuit 201 and thestorage 202 are included in the connector 200 connected to the apparatusbody 10; however, the communication control circuit 201 and the storage202 may be included in the apparatus body 10.

In addition, the elements included in the apparatus body 10, thecommunication control circuit 201, and the storage 202 according to thepresent embodiments may be included in the probe body 250. In this case,the probe body 250 may be connected to a display 50 (display, tabletterminal, smart phone, etc.) that displays an ultrasonic image via a USB(Universal Serial Bus), by wiring, or wirelessly.

(Modification of Embodiments)

In the above embodiments, it is assumed that line delay data dx and dyalong the element arrangement directions are used; however, line delaydata of diagonal lines may be further used to calculate a delay amount.

The line delay data generation function 101 may calculate line delaydata (dr) for a line of elements placed on a diagonal line inclinedupward right of the above line delay data, and line delay data (dl) fora line of elements placed on a diagonal line inclined downward left.

Four line delay data items will be explained with reference to FIG. 13,as a specific example. FIG. 13 shows one of the sub-arrays 602 shown inFIG. 6.

For convenience sake, line delay data of a diagonal line in which anelement of address (0, 0) is placed is referred to as dr₀, and linedelay data of a diagonal line in which elements of address (0, 1) and(1, 0) are placed is referred to as dr₁, for the line delay data dr.Similarly, line delay data of a diagonal line in which an element ofaddress (0, 4) is placed is referred to as dl₀, and line delay data of adiagonal line in which elements of address (0, 3) and (1, 4) are placedis referred to as dl₁, for the line delay data dl.

The transmitting/receiving ICs 251 may set the delay amount for eachelement in a sub-array by using a value in which four line delay amountdata items, dx, dy, dr, and dl are added according to the address ofeach element.

Specifically, it is assumed that the delay amount of an element ofaddress (1, 3) is calculated. The transmitting/receiving ICs 251 may setthe delay amount for each element in a sub-array by using a valueobtained by adding line delay data dx₁, line delay data dy₃, line delaydata of a diagonal line dr₄, and line delay data of a diagonal line dl₃.

As stated above, in the case where the delay amount is calculated byusing line delay data in four directions, the delay amount can be highlyaccurately estimated, in comparison with the case using two line delaydata items.

It is also possible that the delay amount of an element is calculated byadding two line delay data items which is line delay data dr and dl,without using line delay data dx or dy.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the case where a plurality ofelements each formed in a rectangle shape are two-dimensionallyarranged; however, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

For example, the case where a plurality of Micromachining UltrasoundTransducer (MUT) elements each formed in a hexagonal shape may beadopted.

The MUT elements may be Capacitive MUT (CMUT) elements (electrostaticcapacitance transducer elements), or Piezoelectric MUT (PMUT) elements(piezoelectric transducer elements).

The calculation of the delay amount in the case where the hexagonal MUTelements are two-dimensionally arranged will be explained with referenceto FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 illustrates an arrangement pattern of hexagonal MUT elements1401. For convenience sake, the X direction and the Y direction aredefined, and an identifier (ID) is allocated to each MUT element.

For example, in the case where the delay amount of an MUT element 1401of ID “5” which is diagonally shaded is calculated, thetransmitting/receiving ICs 251 may calculate the delay amount by addingline delay data in three directions. Specifically, the first line delaydata is line delay data dl relating to MUT elements 1401 (IDs=4, 5, 6,and 7) placed in the Y direction. The second line delay data is linedelay data d2 relating to MUT elements 1401 (IDs=2, 5, and 8) placed ina line inclined upward right. The third line delay data is line delaydata d3 relating to MUT elements 1401 (IDs=1, 5, and 9) placed in a lineinclined upward left.

In the case where a plurality of MUT elements shown in FIG. 14 realize afunction of one element shown in FIG. 6, the delay amount may becalculated by using the line delay data dx and dy (dx, dy, dr, and dl,if line delay data for four directions are adopted) according to theaforementioned embodiments, relative to the one element.

Furthermore, the functions described in connection with the aboveembodiments may be implemented, for example, by installing a program forexecuting the processing in a computer, such as a work station, etc.,and expanding the program in a memory. The program that causes thecomputer to execute the processing can be stored and distributed bymeans of a storage medium, such as a magnetic disk (a hard disk, etc.),an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), and a semiconductor memory.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: anultrasonic probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducerstwo-dimensionally arranged along a first arrangement direction and asecond arrangement direction; and control circuitry configured totransmit first line delay data, second line delay data, and third linedelay data to the ultrasonic probe, the first line delay data indicatinga delay amount for each line of the ultrasonic transducers along thesecond arrangement direction, the second line delay data indicating adelay amount for each line of the ultrasonic transducers along the firstarrangement direction, the third line delay data indicating a delayamount for diagonal lines of the ultrasonic transducers, wherein theultrasonic probe further comprises: a probe body that includes theplurality of ultrasonic transducers and setting circuitry configured toset a delay amount for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers,by using the transmitted first line delay data, second line delay data,and third line delay data; and a connector that is connected to theprobe body via a cable and includes the control circuitry, the controlcircuitry is further configured to transmit to the setting circuitryfirst on/off data for each line of the ultrasonic transducers along thesecond arrangement direction, and second on/off data for each line ofultrasonic transducers along the first arrangement direction in a firstperiod, the first on/off data indicating whether the ultrasonictransducers arranged in each line along the second arrangement directionare used for ultrasonic transmission or not, the second on/off dataindicating whether or not the ultrasonic transducers arranged in eachline along the first arrangement direction are used for ultrasonictransmission or not, and the setting circuitry is further configured toset ultrasonic transducers to be used for ultrasonic transmission basedon both of the first on/off data in the second arrangement direction andthe second on/off data in the first arrangement direction so as to set atransmitting aperture relating to the ultrasonic transmission of theultrasonic probe in a second period different from the first period,wherein the setting circuitry sets a delay amount of each ultrasonictransducer by adding first line delay data, second line delay data, andthird line delay data of a line corresponding to addresses of ultrasonictransducers belonging to a corresponding sub-array, and the ultrasonicprobe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from the plurality ofultrasonic transducers based on a sub-array delay relating to a systemdelay of the sub-array, and the delay amount.
 2. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the setting circuitry sets the transmitting apertureby multiplying the first on/off data by the second on/off data, thefirst on/off data and the second on/off data relating to an address ofeach element belonging to a sub-array.
 3. An ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus comprising: an ultrasonic probe including a plurality ofultrasonic transducers two-dimensionally arranged along a firstarrangement direction and a second arrangement direction; and transmitcircuitry configured to transmit first line delay data, second linedelay data, and third line delay data to the ultrasonic probe, the firstline delay data indicating a delay amount for each line of theultrasonic transducers along the second arrangement direction, thesecond line delay data indicating a delay amount for each line of theultrasonic transducers along the first arrangement direction, the thirdline delay data indicating a delay amount for diagonal lines of theultrasonic transducers, wherein the ultrasonic probe further comprises:control circuitry configured to: receive the first line delay data, thesecond line delay data, and the third line delay data from the transmitcircuitry and re-arrange the received first line delay data, second linedelay data and third line delay data in an order of being stored in theultrasonic probe; and set a delay amount for each of the plurality ofultrasonic transducers, by using the first line delay data, second linedelay data, and third line delay data stored in the ultrasonic probe,including adding the first line delay data, second line delay data, andthird line delay data of a line corresponding to addresses of ultrasonictransducers belonging to a corresponding sub-array, wherein theultrasonic probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from theplurality of ultrasonic transducers based on a sub-array delay relatingto a system delay of the sub-array, and the delay amount.
 4. Anultrasonic probe comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducerstwo-dimensionally arranged along a first arrangement direction and asecond arrangement direction; and setting circuitry configured to set adelay amount for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers byusing first line delay data, second line delay data, and third linedelay data, the first line delay data indicating a delay amount for eachline of the ultrasonic transducers along the second arrangementdirection, the second line delay data indicating a delay amount for eachline of the ultrasonic transducers along the first arrangementdirection, the third line delay data indicating a delay amount fordiagonal lines of the ultrasonic transducers, the setting circuitryconfigured to set the delay amount of each ultrasonic transducer byadding the first line delay data, second line delay data, and third linedelay data of a line corresponding to addresses of ultrasonictransducers belonging to a corresponding sub-array; wherein the settingcircuitry is further configured to: receive first on/off data for eachline of the ultrasonic transducers along the second arrangementdirection, and second on/off data for each line of ultrasonictransducers along the first arrangement direction in a first period, thefirst on/off data indicating whether the ultrasonic transducers arrangedin each line along the second arrangement direction are used forultrasonic transmission or not, the second on/off data indicatingwhether the ultrasonic transducers arranged in each line along the firstarrangement direction are used for ultrasonic transmission or not, andset ultrasonic transducers to be used for ultrasonic transmission basedon both of the first on/off data in the second arrangement direction andthe second on/off data in the first arrangement direction so as to set atransmitting aperture relating to the ultrasonic transmission of theultrasonic probe in a second period different from the first period,wherein ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received from the pluralityof ultrasonic transducers based on a sub-array delay relating to asystem delay of the sub-array, and the delay amount.
 5. The probeaccording to claim 4, further comprising: a probe body that includes theplurality of ultrasonic transducers and the setting circuitry; and aconnector that is connected to the probe body via a cable, wherein theconnector comprises: control circuitry configured to re-arrange thefirst line delay data, the second line delay data, and the third linedelay data received from an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in an orderof being stored in the probe body and transmit the rearranged first linedelay data, second line delay data, and third line delay data to thesetting circuitry of the probe body, and a memory configured to storethe rearranged first line delay data, second line delay data, and thirdline delay data.
 6. An ultrasonic diagnostic assistance method whichcontrols an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic diagnosticapparatus including an ultrasonic probe including a plurality ofultrasonic transducers two-dimensionally arranged along a firstarrangement direction and a second arrangement direction, the methodcomprising: transmitting first line delay data, second line delay data,and third line delay data to the ultrasonic probe, the first line delaydata indicating a delay amount for each line of the ultrasonictransducers along the second arrangement direction, the second linedelay data indicating a delay amount for each line of the ultrasonictransducers along the first arrangement direction, the third line delaydata indicating a delay amount for diagonal lines of the ultrasonictransducers, and setting a delay amount for each of the plurality ofultrasonic transducers, by using the first line delay data, second linedelay data, and third line delay data transmitted to the ultrasonicprobe, including setting the delay amount of each ultrasonic transducerby adding the first line delay data, second line delay data, and thirdline delay data of a line corresponding to addresses of ultrasonictransducers belonging to a corresponding sub-array, transmitting to theultrasonic probe first on/off data for each line of the ultrasonictransducers along the second arrangement direction, and second on/offdata for each line of ultrasonic transducers along the first arrangementdirection in a first period, the first on/off data indicating whetherthe ultrasonic transducers arranged in each line along the secondarrangement direction are used for ultrasonic transmission or not, thesecond on/off data indicating whether the ultrasonic transducersarranged in each line along the first arrangement direction are used forultrasonic transmission or not, setting ultrasonic transducers to beused for ultrasonic transmission based on both of the first on/off datain the second arrangement direction and the second on/off data in thefirst arrangement direction so as to set a transmitting aperturerelating to the ultrasonic transmission of the ultrasonic probe in asecond period different from the first period, and transmitting andreceiving ultrasonic waves from the plurality of ultrasonic transducersof the ultrasonic probe based on a sub-array delay relating to a systemdelay of the sub-array, and the delay amount.
 7. An ultrasonicdiagnostic apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic probe including aplurality of ultrasonic transducers two-dimensionally arranged along afirst arrangement direction and a second arrangement direction; andcontrol circuitry configured to transmit first line delay data, secondline delay data, and third line delay data to the ultrasonic probe, thefirst line delay data indicating a delay amount for each line of theultrasonic transducers along the second arrangement direction, thesecond line delay data indicating a delay amount for each line of theultrasonic transducers along the first arrangement direction, the thirdline delay data indicating a delay amount for diagonal lines of theultrasonic transducers, wherein the ultrasonic probe further comprisessetting circuitry configured to set a delay amount for each of theplurality of ultrasonic transducers, by using the transmitted first linedelay data, the transmitted second line delay data, and the transmittedthird delay data, including setting the delay amount of each ultrasonictransducer by adding the first line delay data, second line delay data,and third line delay data of a line corresponding to addresses ofultrasonic transducers belonging to a corresponding sub-array, andwherein the ultrasonic probe transmits and receives ultrasonic wavesfrom the plurality of ultrasonic transducers based on a sub-array delayrelating to a system delay of the sub-array, and the delay amount.